"I don't know if I will ever reach their level. It'll be hard, they have incredible stats, but I accept the challenge.

"Of course I want to be the best in the world. Previously I was more worried about the game itself: football was just a game for me, I wanted to amuse myself and didn't bother what the people thought about me.

"Since I've been at Chelsea, I've become more aware of my qualities, I guess. Before I knew I was a good player, but not one of the better players in the world."

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is keen to tie down Hazard to a new long-term contract in an attempt to ward off any potential suitors.

Hazard joined the Blues in 2012 following the club's Champions League triumph in a £32m deal from Lille under the management of Roberto Di Matteo.

The Belgium international believes he has matured under Jose Mourinho [GETTY]

“As a professional, you have to challenge yourself every day”

Eden Hazard

But since the return of Mourinho at Stamford Bridge this summer, the midfielder feels he has matured as a player under the influence of his new boss.

"I've matured (with Mourinho). On the pitch I haven't changed much. I'm still the same, but I realised that, if I want to be among the best in the world, I'll have to perform consistently, game in, game out," he told Het Laatste Nieuws.

"I'm now important for the team, I give good passes, I score more goals and Chelsea are performing well.

"As a professional, you have to challenge yourself every day. Put yourself in front of a mirror. The manager is close to his players, but when he has something to say, he does it to your face, in a friendly way. And he knows how to challenge his players.

"Everyone expects more from me. I hear it every day. Maybe I need these little comments, too. When a manager always says 'Eden, you're doing great', there is a threat that you can snooze."